Mentzer Index Calculator

How to Use This Calculator

1. Enter the patient's Hemoglobin level in g/dL (e.g., 10.5)
2. Enter the patient's Red Blood Cell Count in ×10³/μL (e.g., 3.5)
3. Click the "Calculate" button to determine the Mentzer Index and interpretation
4. The calculator will provide the result along with an interpretation of whether the patient has normal, elevated, or high risk of iron deficiency

Understanding the Mentzer Index

The Mentzer Index is a simple calculation that helps healthcare providers assess the risk of iron deficiency anemia. It works on the principle that in iron deficiency, red blood cells are smaller (microcytic) and more numerous.

Interpretation Guidelines

• Normal: Less than 12.5 g/dL × 10³/μL
• Elevated: 12.5 to 14.5 g/dL × 10³/μL (Suggests Iron Deficiency)
• High: 14.5 g/dL × 10³/μL or greater (Strongly suggests Iron Deficiency)

When to Use This Calculator

The Mentzer Index is particularly useful when a patient presents with microcytic anemia (low hemoglobin with small red blood cells). It can help differentiate between different causes of anemia:

• Iron Deficiency Anemia: Typically shows elevated or high Mentzer Index
• Thalassemia: Often shows normal or mildly elevated Mentzer Index
• Chronic Disease Anemia: Often shows normal or mildly elevated Mentzer Index

Important Notes

The Mentzer Index is a screening tool and should not be used alone to diagnose iron deficiency. It should be used in conjunction with other clinical findings and laboratory tests such as ferritin, transferrin saturation, and other blood counts.